Imago
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) pressures Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) during the second half of game two of the second round of the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs at The Field House. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Imago
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) pressures Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) during the second half of game two of the second round of the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs at The Field House. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Miami Heat take on the Milwaukee Bucks in what promises to be a spicy affair. These two giants of the East clash on the night of December 29, 2200 at the American Airlines Arena in Miami.
The Bucks will be out for revenge from their 5-game 2020 Playoffs exit that the Heat handed to them in the semis. The Heat may have to face their wrath without their leader Jimmy Butler. He exited at half-time in their win against the Pelicans because of ankle stiffness.
Jimmy is only listed as questionable for the encounter. Since these two will face off again in a back-to-back, Erik Spoelstra may choose to rest Jimmy, and unleash him in the 2nd leg. So how will the team line up?
USA Today via Reuters
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts after a play against the Miami Heat during the first half of game four of the second round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Milwaukee Bucks: Predicted starting 5
Point Guard – Donte DiVincenzo
Shooting Guard – Jrue Holiday
Center – Brook Lopez
Power Forward – Giannis Antetokounmpo
Small Forward – Khris Middleton
The team from Wisconsin has more or less a settled 5. They are already reaping the rich rewards of trading for Holiday from the Pelicans. Their ball distribution and overall defense is having noticeable improvements. After losing a close game against the Celtics, they are on a roll with 2 wins in 2. They will look to continue with that momentum.
Player to watch out for – Giannis Antetokounmpo
The ‘Greek Freek’ will take to the court with extra motivation. His ability or rather the inability on jump shots is under scrutiny. And he will look to banish the demons from their playoff exit.
Miami Heat – Predicted Starting 5
Getty
MIAMI, FLORIDA – MARCH 02: Jimmy Butler #22, Goran Dragic #7 and Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat look on against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half at American Airlines Arena on March 02, 2020 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Point Guard – Goran Dragic
Shooting Guard – Tyler Herro
Center – Meyers Leonard
Power Forward –Bam Adebayo
Small Forward – Duncan Robinson
With Butler out, Robinson could move to the frontcourt to accommodate Dragic in the lineup.
Player to watch out for – Goran Dragic
The Slovenian dragon was in imperious form against the Pelicans. And as he showed in the Playoffs, he could step up in the big moments. His wealth of experience will be key in negating the threat of Giannis & Co.
These layups from Goran Dragic are tough 😯 pic.twitter.com/KiUW2ApwLL
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 25, 2020
Admittedly, the Milwaukee Bucks look in pole position to claim their revenge victory. Without having to deal with Jimmy Butler, they can run rampant on this young Heat team.
